TRETTHD 27

#27. I Will Become Emperor

In a typical romantic relationship, it was only natural to want to know more about each other.

Khalid was curious about every little detail of Belia. But unless it was absolutely necessary, Belia never asked him anything about his personal life.

It annoyed him a little—how she knew every trivial thing about Raul but knew so little about him.

It was like she was constantly reminding him of his place in her life.

‘She never even told me why she hates Raul.’

There must be a reason.

‘Could it be prophecy or foresight…?’

Everything Belia had said up to now seemed impossible to know without some form of prophecy or foresight.

That’s why Khalid naturally assumed she knew everything about him too. He believed that was why she had chosen him—of all people—as the next emperor.

But the more time he spent with her, the more he realized that Belia didn’t actually know much about him at all.

‘Coming to Ronica was just impulsive.’

He had only stopped by the Duchy of Tessa, near the Kingdom of Ronica, to check on the gold mine search that Raul was leading.

But then he met Belia, discovered the gold mine, and made a connection with the master of Lunes. And even got engaged. One impulsive choice had led to many unexpected gains.

All of it had been completely unplanned.

And in terms of gains and losses, this was an enormous win.

“Khalid. Tell me. What should I do?”

Khalid’s voice was gentle.

His gaze toward Belia was full of affection.

Even the hand that stroked her cheek radiated warmth.

But—

You’re not being honest with me, so should I really be truthful with you?

‘I should observe the situation and respond accordingly for now.’

Khalid chose to keep his mouth shut.

Belia didn’t fully trust him. She was hiding something and just wanted him to act according to her plan. That wasn’t a real relationship.

Khalid wanted to share deeper feelings with Belia. But if their relationship remained this one-sided, a little push and pull was necessary.

“It’s only fair, don’t you think? My lovely Belia.”

Predictable people are boring.

Khalid knew that very well.

So he had no intention of saying anything first.

If you’re curious, then try to learn more about me. If you want to know what I’m hiding, dig into me.

“Mm…”

“Sleep some more.”

Khalid patted the murmuring Belia back to sleep.

A deep smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

When Belia opened her eyes, it was already deep into the night.

She was nestled in Khalid’s arms.

‘When did I fall asleep…?’

She wasn’t surprised to find him lying next to her.

She had grown used to his presence.

“…You’re awake?”

Khalid greeted her with a low, subdued voice.

He must’ve woken up when she moved.

“I’m sorry. Did I wake you?”

“No… it’s fine.”

Even as he said it was fine, he pulled her back into his embrace and closed his eyes again.

“We have a lot to talk about…”

“We can talk lying down.”

Khalid chuckled softly, as if something amusing had crossed his mind.

“Haven’t you gotten used to having conversations in bed?”

At the not-so-funny joke, Belia softly called his name.

“…Khalid.”

“Haha. I’m saying we can have a proper conversation like this.”

Belia shook her head with a sigh.

Seeing her reaction, Khalid smiled in amusement and suddenly hugged her tightly.

“Eek!”

“Hahaha.”

His laughter echoed in her ears—it was the kind of laugh that made her heart race.

Belia gave him a glare, her face pouty.

“More importantly, when do you plan to return?”

“What? Trying to send your freshly engaged fiancé back to the Empire already?”

He put on a mock hurt expression, but Belia remained calm.

“Yes. So tell me when you’ll be leaving.”

Khalid thought for a moment.

“It’s about time. I’ll probably leave next week. I need to settle things with His Majesty before welcoming you.”

“Then I’ll leave for the Empire one month after you go.”

At that, Khalid looked slightly surprised.

“Why so soon?”

“There’s a lot to do in the Empire.”

“Then come with me.”

“No. I have a lot to do here too.”

There were things Belia had to confirm before leaving for the Empire—things she needed to prevent from happening again, based on her past life.

Khalid chuckled and wrapped his arm around her waist again.

“My beloved is just too busy.”

At his cheesy words, Belia’s cheeks flushed slightly.

But not wanting to show her embarrassment, she shrugged her shoulders in an exaggerated, playful gesture. Khalid found her response amusing and laughed again as he held her tightly.

“I already miss you.”

“I’ll be there soon.”

“And I’ll have to spend lonely nights until then.”

He kissed the top of her head with loud smooches.

“What are you doing?”

By now, Belia’s voice carried a hint of laughter.

Without stopping, Khalid buried his face in her neck and kissed her there too.

“When you arrive in the Empire, I’ll run to you faster than anyone else in the world.”

She’d heard that line before.

“Just like I did?”

“You can count on it.”

Khalid declared confidently.

“Haha, what kind of line is that.”

Strangely, even while holding her like this, it never felt like enough. He still felt thirsty. Khalid’s eyes gleamed with desire. With a voice low and thick, he whispered into her ear:

“…I’ll make sure you stand at the very top of the Empire.”

His heart was set.

He would become Emperor.

And he would make Belia completely his.

“What did you say?!”

Raul slammed the table in disbelief as he received the report from his subordinate.

“He found a gold mine?!”

It was absurd.

What kind of nonsense was this?

How many people had combed through those mountains?

They had searched every inch, yet had only managed to find a few tiny gold flecks at best.

“Rumors are spreading across the Empire.”

“…That bastard Khalid must’ve spread the rumors himself.”

But why would he spread news of a gold mine he hadn’t even found? Was he insane?

Raul forced himself to calm down and think logically.

“He’s going to fall for his own scheme.”

He sneered and was about to return to his reading when—

“Your Highness!”

The Marquis of Sellon, who was still staying in the kingdom, came running in, breathless.

“The second prince is reporting the discovery of a gold mine to King Ronica right now!”

“What?!”

“He’s already sent a letter to the Empire…”

Raul dropped his book and shot to his feet.

“He’s really saying he found it?”

“…”

“I asked if it was true!”

“…They say it was discovered in the south.”

Marquis Sellon bit his lip in frustration.

“Not in the eastern mountains, but at the southern edge of the mountain range.”

Raul closed his eyes, fighting the storm of anger and despair within him.

How had everything gone so wrong?

Everything had been proceeding smoothly.

But now, all the things he had built so carefully were crumbling.

“Your Highness.”

“What did the investigation team say?”

Raul’s voice was calm.

“That…”

“Go ahead. It’s fine.”

Even though Raul wasn’t angry, the marquis hesitated.

But he had to report the truth.

“They say that if a large mine was discovered in the south, then even if there is one in the east, it would only be small. Further investigation would be meaningless.”

“…I see.”

So it had come to this.

Raul gave a bitter laugh. The mine—he couldn’t do anything about it now. If Khalid had found it, there was no changing that. It was just bad luck.

“And about the rumors spreading in the Empire…”

The marquis sighed and delivered yet another piece of unpleasant news.

“They say Prince Khalid rescued Your Highness and defeated monsters. The story has grown even more exaggerated.”

“…Hah.”

Raul covered his face and burst into laughter.

“Hahaha.”

Marquis Sellon looked on in bewilderment at Raul’s unexpected reaction.

“Your Highness?”

“Hah… I really took a hit this time.”

By none other than Khalid.

So now he was finally baring his claws?

All that cold indifference—just an act.

“Return to the Empire at once!”

Raul ordered their immediate departure.

He had a feeling Khalid’s hidden blades had only just begun to appear.

It was time to prepare for real war.

There was no time to waste.

Khalid. Don’t think you’ll get to keep everything you have.

All of it will come back to me. That includes Belia.

Things are about to get busier.

Raul smiled coldly as he looked out the window.

The Kingdom of Ronica looked so peaceful outside.

Yes. Disgustingly, unbearably peaceful.